🗻
🧊 🄹🄾🅃🅄🄽🄷🄴🄸🄼 🧊

"Queen Frigga has extended yet another invitation; shall I finally say yes and confirm your attendance?" Ovahh, Loki's closest Jotun ally and bodyguard, casually asked.

"Decline please, Ovahh. Perhaps I will make an appearance in another week or so."

"But she insisted you come before the two weeks were up, and a week has already past. It says in her letter that she has a visitor she would like you to meet. It is of urgency."

"I am in no mood to greet more monarchs, the ball was enough to last a lifetime." Loki pinched the bridge of his nose, and felt a headache brewing.

"But-"

Loki rapidly raised his hand into the air, at which point Ovahh ceased speaking. He knew that when his king made such a hand gesture, he was annoyed and no amount of persuasion would alter his mind.

Ovahh bowed before he abruptly left and responded to Queen Frigga, declining yet another breakfast.

***

Loki sank into his comfortable chair after a long day of meetings with his high council. The paperwork that came with ruling a kingdom was never-ending, and although his council members drafted the complex jargon, he had to sit and listen to every word before signing off the new contracts. It was tedious, lengthy, and dull, and at the end of a hectic day, he looked forward to relaxing in the plush green chair that his mother had given him upon becoming king.

She fashioned it extra-large so that even when in his Jotun form, he'd fit into it comfortably, and because Jotun was his primary appearance for the vast majority of the time, he always felt a warm glow of gratitude towards her when he sat upon it.

As he contentedly slouched in his chair and gazed at the fireplace's flickering flames, his thoughts returned to the beautiful Gaia he met by chance at the ball.

His greatest remorse was that he left too quickly and did not inquire about her realm of origin. He was unaware that you were the beautiful Gaia who stirred his heart, that you were from Embrodi, but presently residing in Asgard, and that you were assisting his mother with caring for her crops.

If he had simply accepted the invitations sent by his mother, he would have met you, and his agony over finding out who you were would have ended. However, the path of genuine love was never without thorns.

"Eden," he sighed, remembering your sweet face, and wondering if he ever crossed your mind as much as you did his.

He mentally stroked the outline of your lips as he called out your name again, but a little louder this time. His breath caught in his throat as he imagined you in your dress, your wavy hair cascading down to hide the small beauty mark he saw on your exposed shoulder. It was a thing of beauty, and many a times he envisioned himself planting his lips over it.

But the brief, yet sweet images of you that flashed in his mind was soon replaced with what actually happened— him rushing away, and it angered him.

"Eden!" He cried out your name once more, but this time it was a call. A shout that carried with it hope, a desire, and the profound wish that you would come to him if you heard it.

His head slumped forward as the feeling of hopelessness washed over him, and in his low moods the vivid encounter made its way inside his mind, forcing him to relive the foolish moment he dashed away. He berated himself and despised being reminded of the time he ran off like a coward.

Feeling angry, he quickly pushed away the thought and instead imagined an other future in which he stayed. He replayed the one conclusion which included a kiss, and he could almost sense how good you would taste; a flavour like honey, or a fruit equally as sweet.

A sweet peach materialised in his palm, and as he brought it to his mouth, he whispered your name before taking a bite. A smile formed on his lips as he imagined the sweet nectar that slipped down his throat was exactly what you tasted like.

"You know, you could simply go through the guest list of all those who attended the ball, and find this mysterious Eden." The sudden sound of Ovahh's voice interrupted Loki's rare moment of serenity. And now flustered by the unexpected appearance of his guard, Loki magicked away his half eaten peach.

"You have tortured yourself for a full week, and now I hear her name in my sleep because of how many times you randomly repeat it out loud." Ovahh continued.

"Didn't I tell you that it is impolite to sneak up on people, especially your king, Ovahh." Loki coolly scorned.

"In my defence, I had called you by name and title exactly three times before approaching, but once again, you were preoccupied with your thoughts of this enigmatic Eden." Ovahh threw another log on the fire and crouched down low to warm his icy blue hands. "I'm intrigued, I truly am. I wish to put a face to the name that plagues your thoughts and my ears." Ovahh lightheartedly remarked. "Let me seek this guest list and find her..."

"I have replayed our meeting so many times, and relived the feelings she stirred in me. But as time passes, I worry that my mind has created this amazing woman entirely in my imagination. I fear that should I look on the list, I'd find out that no such Eden exists. And then it would be confirmed, that my mental capacity has indeed spiralled off course; decayed and wilted well before the end of my youth." Loki sighed as he rambled on, and before Ovahh could get a word in, he continued, "Furthermore, I'm now in skeptics whether such a perfect woman does exist, her visage, her way of speaking, her interests in books, and the ethereal aura that surrounded her entire being was nothing more than perfection."

The pain of believing he was potentially going mad and the uncertainty that you may not be real, stabbed at Loki's heart.

Loki's expressionless look into the fire persisted as he remained lost in contemplation. And Ovahh sensed now was his best chance to speak while Loki remained paused in thought.

"Firstly, take a breath. And secondly, please stop reading so much Poe, perhaps open a more uplifting book, as your thoughts are particularly dark and depressing today."

Loki grumbled under his breath, "Sometimes the book chooses the person; they seem to know what you need, and gloomy tales have chosen me lately." 

Ovahh rolled his eyes before standing up and walking to the pile of Loki's books that sat in a neat stack on the table. He lifted as much as he could carry and hobbled back towards the fireplace. "I believe these would do well to serve as fuel for the dwindling fire."

Loki's eyes immediately widened in astonishment and disbelief at his guard's actions. He observed as Ovahh made no attempt to stop his practical joke, and continued his wobbled walk towards the flames.

Just as Ovahh was ready to throw the books into the blazing hearth, Loki sprung from his chair and snatched them away.

"Have you gone mad?!" Loki angrily snapped before magically disappearing his priceless books with tragic endings back to his library, where they would be safe.

"I believe it is you who considers oneself to be mad? I am merely helping you overcome your dismal demeanour. These stories that have unhappy conclusions are only adding to your grief." Ovahh argued.

Loki slumped back into his comfy green chair. "Fine, I will read something a bit more...." Loki paused.

"Cheerful" Ovahh interjected.

Loki huffed, "Cheerful it is then."

"And regarding this perfect woman, Eden. Should I request a copy of the guest list from Asgard?" Ovahh asked with renewed optimism now that Loki appeared to be in good spirits.

"I will think about it." Loki said, and Ovahh was pleased; this was a change from the standard refusal.

Ovahh settled into the chair opposite Loki, his mouth beginning to speak long before his brain could intervene.

"You know, I don't believe that a perfect person can be real." Ovahh candidly confessed. Yet, when Loki did not reply, he turned to face him. He observed his king slouch further in his chair in response to his remark, and upon realising that his forward claim caused his king to revert back to a sombre disposition, he felt guilty.

Me and my gabby mouth, he chastised himself.

Ovahh quickly tried to make light of the situation. "Perhaps, I am just not well travelled. I have only encountered Jotun women, and should I describe them as perfect they would scratch at my skin. They much prefer to be perceived as ferocious, or feral even, but not perfect, as perfect implies dainty."

Loki recognised that he was attempting to make him feel better, it didn't work, but he appreciated it.

"She was my perfect." Loki murmured, as he rocked his head back against the chair and envisioned you once again, this time holding your book of plants. "I wish I met her many winters ago, before," he released a deep exhale.... "Before I was burdened with Magritte."

"And that's another thing," Ovahh stood up and looked at Loki quizzically. "This Magritte, your wife, surely she can't be as awful as you claim?"

No matter how often Ovahh has stated that he will consider thinking before speaking, he never does.

Loki arched his brow; he was aware that Ovahh acted casual around him, but his demeanour was becoming increasingly more relaxed, to the point where it was almost as if they were friends rather than guard and king.

"I will overlook your lack of faith in your king's word, Ovahh, and pray you never meet her. For she will detect your naiveté and devour you alive. Similar to a praying mantis, except that after she consumes your cranium, you will be relieved to no longer be in her presence."

Ovahh realised that he spoke too uninhibited yet again, "I apologise my king. I'm beginning to comprehend why you refuse your mother's desperate pleas to come to Asgard, you have painted a very clear picture of Magritte this time. And yet, with each letter of decline that I am forced to send back, my heart aches for the Queen Mother."

Loki glanced at Ovahh, and sighed.

"She sent another invite by the way." Ovahh quickly added.

"Another already?" Loki shouldn't sound surprised, he knew his mother was unrelenting in her ways. "Fine, I will attend the day after tomorrow, but no sooner. The council members has reported a small batch of incoming asteroids that head our way, and I need to be here to make sure they do not clash with the inhabited lands of Jotunheim." Loki sounded concerned.

"I wouldn't worry about those minor threats, we have them frequently. They always hit the ice mountains, or settle at the bottom of the frozen lakes." Ovahh reassured.

"Don't they cause a tsunami or flood?" As a new king, Loki inquired, unaware of the urgency of the situation.

"No, normally the lake freezes solid during the winter. When they reach the thick sheet of ice, the strike merely breaks it apart, and the small space rocks only sink to the bottom."

"Hmm.." Loki felt a little less anxious, "nonetheless, I will stick around as a precautionary measure." He stated.

***

🄰🅂🄶🄰🅁🄳

"Dear, you have no idea how grateful we are for your help in saving our grains. You, finding the root problem to our declining harvest and giving us invaluable insight so that it will never happen again, is just..." Frigga sighed, almost tearing up. "I can't even put into words how incredible you are, Eden.

You cast a bashful glance at Frigga; it was difficult to accept her frequent praise as you found your employment in Asgard to be too rewarding to really consider it work.

"I have to admit, I'm surprised I completed my task a week early, and to be honest, I'm sad that my time here is coming to an end."

"An end?" Frigga blinked at you in astonishment. "Not yet dear. Yes, you may have finished preventing Asgard from a possible famine, but your father has allowed you a full two weeks within our realm. I refuse to give you back no earlier than that!" She smiled.

Your heart warmed, "Well, if the queen insists I stay, who am I to object."

Frigga beamed, "And whilst I know I am old and you would likely rather spend your remaining time with Thor and Sif, I wonder if you would do an elder a favour, and accompany her on a trip out of the palace."

"Spending time with you is a joy like no other, and I would be honoured to see more of Asgard with you." Your eyes now light up.

Frigga smiled meekly, "While it is so wonderful to hear that you enjoy my company, I have to apologise that I didn't clarify, as it isn't an exploration of Asgard. You see, Asgard royals have been invited to an unusual exhibit in Alfheim. King Geodi, the elfen king, is an avid collector of oddities, and he's opening a sort of museum to exhibit his collection. Odin is away, and Thor and Sif have come up with an excuse to relieve themself from attending... but I'd much prefer your company anyway."

The sudden fear you felt about going to Alfheim was written all over your face. Your expression changed and she could see that you were now nervous about going, especially in light of the ball incident.

You never truly understood Caspian's motivation for trying to isolate you in Asgard; it may have been innocent, but the vibe you received from him as he tried to lure you into being alone was almost evil. The notion of being in his own realm with only Queen Frigga as a safety net raised red flags.

"Queen Frigga-"

"Just Frigga, dear."

"Frigga," you sighed. "I don't wish to appear ungrateful, and thank you for the invite. But I'm really trying to avoid any further encounters with Prince Caspian. He, um...."

"—He wants you as his wife." She interjected.

You stared at her perplexed, "How did—"

"It was apparent at the ball, his eyes never left you all night. But the whispers that circulate around the realms have reached back to Asgard. He's marked you dear. And when a royal of high status, one soon to be a king has chosen a bride, a Queen, other suitors back away. And no one wants to wage a battle against an elf, most lack the courage."

"So I'm to be his by force or alone for the rest of my life?" You say in disbelief.

"He'd like you to believe that, but when your real love finds you, he will go to war a thousand times over to attain your heart."

Her words, though meant to be uplifting, only roused feelings of hopelessness in you. You knew Caspian was an elite royal, and so you wondered; was there a person for you out there who would battle for your affection? You were unsure, and now doubtful of your worth.

"I know most women want kings, or the most sought after of princes, to the extent that they would change themselves to be what they want, all to be chosen as a bride... but me, I,..."

"But not you..." Frigga smiled. "You are different Eden, and trust when I say, Asgard see's that. The fact that you are not drawn to status, wealth or reputation is but one of the many things that make us love you. Thor, Sif, Odin and I, we adore you, Eden."

You met her gaze, both of your eyes welling up with tears.

"I'm betting you prefer the rain over the sun too?" Frigga looked at you intently, waiting for your answer.

"Embrodi is always sun, and whilst I appreciate the heat, my garden and I crave the cool of the rain, we flourish after a rare downpour."

"You seek the comfort of the rain." She smiled warmly, while remembering her own words to Loki, that one day he would find someone who seeks the comfort of his rain.

You chuckled, wiping away a stray tear that fell. "I suppose I do."

"You really must meet my son, Loki." Frigga repeated the same insistent phrase once more. You couldn't tell her that you were now hesitant to meet him out of concern that he was just as terrible as Magritte.

A guard approaching made you pause your conversation. "Queen Frigga, should I send back the invites confirming your attendance to Alfheim?"

Frigga turned to you and, noticing your unease, took your hand and spoke softly, "You are not an object to be owned, do not shy away in fear of Caspian. Hold your head high and make it known that you are aware of his forceful advances of marriage but refute it, this will show others how strong willed the future Embrodi Queen is. And those not wanting to challenge his mark for a chance at your hand are not worthy of you."

"Will.... Will you stay close to me?"

"I promise Eden, I won't leave you out of my sight."

You were not totally confident or convinced, but you smiled timidly and nodded, putting your trust in Frigga that she would keep her promise.

🄰🄻🄵🄷🄴🄸🄼

Arriving in Alfheim by a grand carriage, queen Frigga was first to be helped out. She turned to you and observed your expression as you stepped onto Alfheim territory. You regarded the tall mirrored palace with a look of astonishment on your face, but on the inside, you were filled with dread.

"It's a marvel isn't it? The sharp edges and imposing height of the steeple, a symbolism of the elven essence." Frigga spoke aloud, knowing the nearby guards were listening and report all they hear back to the king. However, as they took position away and out of ear shot, she immediately lowered her tone to a whisper. "Both the structure and the elves are overbearingly tall and were created to convey superiority. Yet in actuality they appear egotistical and freakish." She laughed.

You giggled, but was surprised that she would judge the elven appearance. She caught your expression of shocked amusement, and felt the need to explain herself.

"I know that I sound truly ghastly, with my judgment, but like I said before, never trust a royal elf." She said sternly. "In all my years of living, none has proven me wrong in my assumptions. Maybe one day the cycle will change, but until then, my view that they can't be trusted stands firm. Besides, my distaste for them has grown ever since Caspians actions towards you at the ball, and regardless if one is elf or not, I will dislike anyone who makes you sad."

You smile a mile wide, your heart in full bloom as you link arms with Frigga, and together you make your way up the grandiose steps of Alfheim.

"Look, even the steps are reflective." Frigga points out.

"I would guess that it's so they can gaze upon their  own vain ego as often as possible." The Embrodi principles you hold dear were broken as you mocked another person. It seemed strange and cruel, but then you remembered you were thinking of Caspian as you said it.

"I believe my father intentionally made the steps into mirrors so that the sun's rays would reflect off of them and reach Valhallah. It was designed to help our ancestors locate their realm, should they desire to look down upon us."

The sound of Prince Caspian caused your stomach to convulse, and you abruptly turned around.

"I did not perceive you to be so mocking of others, Eden. What is your realm's motto, be kind and just to others?" He regarded you with disapproval. "Perhaps some of Asgard's more brutish temperament has transferred to you. I've heard that Prince Thor is somewhat immature."

He gave Frigga a small smirk after his snipe at Thor, before returning his attention to you. "If you desired a vacation from Embrodi and a break from your royal duties, Alfheim was more than happy to accommodate you."

"Asgard has employed the use of Eden's horticultural skills to save our crops. She needed no break from her responsibility as princess." Frigga curtly made clear. "She offers her services as a charitable gesture to help her fellow neighbouring realm."

Caspian regarded you with dismay and disappointment, "Your skills were offered for free?" His tone reflected revulsion. "Well, Queen Frigga, I guess you can count yourself lucky. Any other less charitable princess in her position might want exorbitant fees for her highly skilled services, or, alternatively, she may demand commanding territory in Asgard in exchange for her assistance to your dire situation. And if one would have flatly reused to help you, half of Asgard's population may have been wiped out by starvation, and then even a small realm like Embrodi would have had a larger number of army-ready troops." Caspian stared at you as he said his next words. "Embrodi would have been ranked a higher status, gaining a feared reputation." He said it in a manner that implied you missed out on an ideal opportunity.

"Well, thankfully such barbaric tactics towards a realm in need, died out centuries ago after the great wars. I'd hope the new generation of royals would uphold the peace treaty and seek harmony, over gaining such power with cruelty." You express your feelings with conviction, but then add, "Embrodi would strive to pursuit a reputation for compassion over fear."

"Hmm.." Caspain mutters, not convinced.

"Queen Frigga, welcome." King Geodi spoke as he descended the stairs. However, as you followed Frigga towards him, your hand was firmly seized and you were forcibly held back.

"By naively assisting Asgard, Eden, you squandered an opportunity for great power. If you had a wise husband by your side, he would have persuaded you to let them perish with their dying crops." Caspian's venomous words hissed in your ear.

"I'd never marry nor listen to such a monster." You jerked your hand from his tight grasp, and hurry to resume your position by Frigga's side.

"And welcome Princess Eden, what a surprise to see you in Alfheim, my sons constant pestering has paid off it seems?" King Geodi grinned and glanced behind you.

Caspian's proximity was immediately recognised by the tremors that ran up your spine as he approached your back.

"Perhaps now that Eden has finally made an appearance in our great kingdom, father, I can give her a tour of the palace." As he spoke, you could feel his hand on your waist. But before King Geodi could agree to the private tour, Frigga interjected.

"No—Eden is excited to see your great finds King Geodi. I've been telling her all about the marvellous wonders that you have acquired over the years."

King Geodi beamed with pride. "Of course, the tour can wait for another time."

Caspian frowned, and scowled as Frigga snatched you from his grasp and drew you to her side.

As promised, Frigga kept a close watch on you, firmly linking arms to make you feel safe as you surveyed the display of rare and unusual items that were carefully protected behind glass cases. You couldn't deny that it was fascinating to see artefacts from not only the realms but also from beyond them. The galaxy revealed its vastness with the show of a variety of intriguing discoveries.

As Frigga conversed in conversation and with Caspian nowhere in sight, you unhooked your arm and strolled off. As you sauntered around, making sure not to venture too far, you found yourself drawn to a display case that let off vapours. You walked over to it and placed your palm against what you assumed was frosted glass. Only to be taken aback when you felt an unexpected coldness sting your skin.

Closer inspection of the central object caused a lump to form in your throat, and your heart sank at the realisation of what it was.

"It's beautiful, isn't it." A voice spoke from beside you.

Your muscles tensed up in an instant, and the way your body reacted negatively each time you were in Caspian's presence was like a sixth sense telling you that he was dangerous. You refused to even meet his gaze, focusing instead on the icy block in front of you.

"I wouldn't say beautiful, it's a killer." You state, staring at the slug like creature that was entombed within a block of ice.

"It's amazing how such a small thing can have the capacity to erase an entire realm, and do it in such a covert fashion. It's positively genius." Caspain marvels.

"It's a diabolical, and ungodly organism that should never have been taken from its planet. It took but one to escape and land on the poor realm of Fumi."

"Ah yes, poor Fumi. They had no clue what hit them until it was too late. The small beast had already infected everything." He stepped closer to the ice and observed the creature as though in awe of it.

"The Fumi people died horribly, an entire race gone, the land now barron and uninhabitable. Why would your father glorify such a killer and put its body on display."

He rotated you around and forced you to look at him directly. "You're mistaken, this one is mine. And it is not merely a body, it still lives."

A gasp escaped your lips as you realised the block of ice was keeping it alive while frozen.

"Are you mad! How irresponsible of you to keep in your possession a Kellite, you risk your realm if this thing defrosts!"

"I take pleasure in your concern; it shows that you care about me after all." He steps closer to you, his eyes wide with want as they bore into yours.

"I worry for the innocent people that reside in your realm, not you!"

He smirked, "I'm so glad that you decided to come today. When I sent the invite to Asgard I was hoping the entire royal family would attend, leaving you alone in the palace." Your heart began to race as you realised that this event was part of an orchestrated plan to get you alone again.

"Asgard is secure, regardless if the royals were there or not." You said confidently.

"Secure from those deemed unsafe, or adversaries of the state. But I have a friend on the inside who was going to allow me to slip through. I had it all planned out, a grand surprise to present myself to you." He chuckled darkly, "I can just imagine the look of surprise on your face now, followed quickly by the dread. Nevertheless, your presence here was not a waste. I'm pleased you saw your future palace; would you like to see our royal chambers?" He slowly traced his slender finger over your collar bone and over the curvature of your shoulder, pushing off the strap of your dress as he went along.

You instinctively stumble back and reposition your strap back in place.

"You are delusional, and sick. I will never be your queen."

"You were always mine, Eden; you just weren't aware of it. You will be my wife, and after you give birth to my child, all this talk of Embrodi's independence will go away, and the land will be reunited with Alfheim once again. The sooner you accept that this is the way things will be, the better."

"In your dreams! I will never allow that to happen!"

He huffed angrily, before darting towards you to roughly hold you in place. You struggle to break free of his grasp, but his fingers deepen their penetration into your soft skin.

"What my dreams contain would shock your innocent soul. My ambition to attain you Eden, has no bounds. Either allow chaos to ensue and watch it happen, or submit now, and prevent the carnage I will inevitably bring about."

You looked at him with terror in your eyes and trembled uncontrollably as you felt the evil staring back at you.

The resounding words of Frigga's strong voice shook you out of your fear: "Hold your head high and show them how strong the future Embrodi Queen is."

"Embrodi will never idly stand by as you cause destruction just to get your own way, we won't watch, and we will put an end to it, this I promise."

He gave you a cold stare as you stood there, unwilling to back down from your argument.

"Eden, the hour is late; it is time to depart." Queen Frigga affirmed, having only just observed that you had left her presence. She immediately detected the hostility between you and Caspian and grabbed you by the waist to break your locked gazes.

"Come, child." She spoke softly in your ear. You witnessed him smirk prior to her forcibly dragging you away. "Stand tall, dear, and when we reach the stairs, be sure to turn around and flash him a broad grin. Anger fuels them, while happiness kills them from within."

As you walked away while still sensing his heavy gaze, you followed Frigga's advice. As you reached the palace steps, you beam broadly and abruptly turn around. Upon observing Caspian's smirk transform into a perplexed scowl, you smile wider and more genuinely. Your sudden display of nonchalance caught him off guard.

Frigga and you both laughed when you witnessed his reaction, it was better than expected. You then both hurriedly dashed down the reflective steps and leapt into the carriage, your fits of giggling audible to all nearby.

As the carriage began to move to leave the palace grounds, you peered out the window and were astonished to see Lady Magritte standing by Caspian's side.

She glared at you as your eyes met, and you immediately knew that she was the friend who would help Caspian to sneak into Asgard unnoticed. Magritte conspired with him and probably leaked the private fact that you had been residing in Asgard.

Bitch!

***

A few days have passed since your return to Asgard, and though Magritte has not been spotted in the palace, you have stayed on high alert, looking over your shoulder and listening intently for any screech that could be hers.

You didn't divulge to Queen Frigga about Magritte's scheme to smuggle Caspian in, as the plan failed and this information would serve no purpose. You were departing in five days, returning to your daily routine in embrodi, and you did not desire to stir up trouble between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law before you left.

As your Gaia duty was now completed, you found yourself free to do as you pleased. And during the times Thor and Sif were busy with their royal responsibilities, you hung around with Fandral, and Hogarth, but today you found yourself in the company of king Odin. A rare treat, as during your time here you have only managed to share meal times with him, as opposed to engaging in lengthy conversation.

"I am grateful for your help in sealing these contracts, Eden. Our small talk as we go about this tedious work is making this job much more enjoyable." You smile as you hold up the stick of red wax, while Odin places a flame to the tip. As soon as it began to melt, you dab it onto the envelope whereupon Odin seals the letter inside using his crest shaped stamp.

Others may view it as an exhausting chore, but you have fond recollections of doing the same with not just your father, but your mother too. It was always a time where you would talk to make the hour go faster.

"It is not often that one can claim to have been in the presence of the great king Odin." Your words made Odin feel all fuzzy inside.

"I knew I liked you Eden, but carry on complimenting me and boosting my ego and I may never let you leave." He chuckled.

"I would not complain if I was forced to stay." You giggled back. "I will miss Thor and Sif though, they have become like siblings to me."

"You are welcome back anytime, and particularly during the mid week." He gave you a cheeky look.

You eye him suspiciously, "Midweek just so happens to be the time you are forced to seal these envelopes."

Odin gazed at you innocently as he exclaimed, "Does it?" He smiled broadly, and you both chuckled.

The belly laughs soon subsided and as you continued carrying out your half of the task; holding the wax up,  you noticed Odin grew silent. Yet, his body language suggested he had something to say but was holding back.

You put down your stick of wax and gazed at him. "Is there something you wish to say, King Odin?"

He sighed, "Ever inquisitive, Eden. Another admirable trait that you possess, just like my son Loki." He smiled. "I was just thinking how Frigga and I had always hoped for a daughter. And you, gracing us with your presence here in Asgard, gave us a glimpse of that experience, however short it was."

You knew he had something to say, but you never imagined it was this. And now, his admittance of his fatherly emotions towards you, made your heart swell. It was difficult to refrain from crying.

"I have to confess, it feels wonderful to gain another family. And despite the fact that I am not legally married to an Odinson and we do not share any blood, it feels as though our friendship bond has developed further. It's obvious that Embrodi and Asgardian cultures complement one another."

"I wish I met you many moons ago," Odin said sadly, echoing what Frigga often said to you. He immediately added another repetition of what Frigga and Thor frequently repeated. "You should meet my son, Loki."

You smiled, "Perhaps one day." You pick up the wax and continue your obligation as a wax holder for king Odin.

A split second later, the doors swung open and in swept Queen Frigga, her grin as big as the room.

"He's coming! My Loki is arriving tomorrow for breakfast!" She bellowed as loudly as Thor, causing you to speculate that perhaps Thor takes after Frigga and not Odin, as was previously believed.

Her radiant smile and elevated mood was contagious, and although you had your reservations about meeting Loki, you couldn't help but catch her happiness.

Odin jumped to his feet, a look of pure joy on his face: "I will notify Sally, Loki's preferred cook, to prepare him his favourite breakfast. And, of course, a feast prepared using the grain that our Eden has saved." Odin touched your shoulder affectionately. "Dearest Eden, at long last you will meet our son Loki. Tomorrow will be a great day!" 

As Frigga and Odin spoke of their son, you could feel the affection emanating from both of them; it was evident that they loved him deeply. And feeling their warmth alleviated your concerns regarding him, but also made you realise that you were not upholding your Embrodi values; to not judge. You had been too fast to conclude that Loki was bad, due to Magritte.

With a newfound sense of optimism, you jovially declare, "I look forward to meeting King Loki."

Loki in his favourite green chair